Total Driving Time: 1 hour, 2 minutes
Distance Covered: 49 miles
Take This Trip If: You've had a long week and desperately need a glass of wine.
Top Driving Tip: When leaving from San Francisco, you have two options when heading north to Napa -- the Bay Bridge or the Golden Gate. Go with the latter; it's a far more scenic drive and will get you to Calistoga in approximately the same amount of time.

Wine is steeped in Napa County's history, with vineyards popping up in the area by the mid-19th century. Known to produce some of the top American vintages, Napa also has more to offer than delicious drinks, including romantic scenery, top-notch spas, and incredible dining -- including arguably the country's top restaurant, French Laundry by famed chef Thomas Keller. If you're aiming for a luxurious experience, look no further than the 5-pearl Calistoga Ranch, an Auberge Resort (seen here). The romantic property has killer rooms complete with working fireplaces, private Jacuzzis and outdoor rain showers.

For a more budget-conscious option, check out the EuroSpa & Inn (seen here), which has free Wi-Fi, amazing views from the pool and hot tub, as well as spacious units furnished with wet bars and microwaves. Plus, breakfast is on the house.

Driving Time: 3 hours, 29 minutes
Distance Covered: 186.5 miles
Take This Trip If: You want to spend some time in the water.
Top Driving Tip: Although it may be tempting to get out and tour Sacramento -- the underrated Californian capital -- en route, stay in the car and soak up the Sierra Nevada mountain range: We promise it's worth the three-plus-hour drive.

Lake Tahoe is traditionally known for being a winter destination, as the season brings Tahoe snowy, chilly conditions -- but it's also a prime place to visit come summertime, thanks to water sports galore. Try your hand at speed boating, rafting or some fishing. If you're more of a land dweller (or get seasick like us, *sigh*), the biking experience here is unparalleled thanks to scenic grounds and a challenging terrain. Post up in the Southern region of the area, which offers the most entertainment as well as easy access to adventure activities. If you're craving super-luxe digs, spend a night at the elegant Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe. Not only are the views incredible (the resort is a top a mountain), but the hotel also provides the top-notch service expected from the Ritz-Carlton brand.

Savvy travelers should check out the Franciscan Lakeside Lodge, which has outdoor fire pits and rooms with kitchenettes, as well as freebies like self-parking and Wi-Fi. The Franciscan also has a ton of on-site activities to relish in, including horseshoes and volleyball.

Total Driving Time: 3 hours, 50 minutes
Distance Covered: 200 miles
Take This Trip If: You've spent too much time in the city and need some fresh air.
Top Driving Tip: While many locals would suggest taking Route 41, we recommend taking Route 580 (the MacArthur Freeway) to Northern Yosemite Highway (120) to shave about a half-hour off your driving time.

Known for its stunning sites, breathtaking beauty and protected nature, Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most flocked-to destinations in the United States. With incredible granite cliffs, clean steams, giant sequoia forests and waterfalls, this national park is a outdoorsman's dream. But hiking around the park isn't your only way of seeing Yosemite -- you can rock climb, too. (Well we would be too scared, but perhaps you're not.) Most visitors stay in the Yosemite Valley area for a typical "Yosemite" experience, and no lodging option proves to be more opulent than a stay at The Ahwahnee, which offers amazing views of nearby summits to go along with its rustic-luxe decor.

Save a few bucks and book a room at the Yosemite Lodge at the Falls -- it too has a prime location, but at a fraction of the Ahwahnee's nightly rate. Plus, the Lodge offers free shuttles to other areas of the Valley should you want to explore behind the hotel area's confines.